BREAKthrough: targeting the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria to address Antimicrobial resistance (2 PhD positions)

"Our" DCs will be appointed at the section Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, part of the A-LIFE department and AIMMS graduate school Or the section Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, part of the Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a leading, innovative and growing university that is at the heart of society and actively contributes to new developments in research and teaching. Our university has ten faculties which span a wide range of disciplines, as well as several institutes, foundations, research centres, and support services. Its campus is located in the fastest-growing economic region in the Netherlands (the Zuidas district of Amsterdam). Amsterdam UMC is the largest medical center in the Netherlands and combines complex high-quality patient care with innovative scientific research.

Your duties
DC1

• Develop assays based on fluorescence or luminescence to identify novel compounds that interfere with the biogenesis of the cell envelope of bacteria. Libraries of thousands of compounds are available from partners in the consortium.
• Hit compounds will be further characterized in close collaboration with consortium partners. It is anticipated that selected compounds may have direct antibiotic activity or increase the cell envelope permeability and thereby sensitize pathogens to known antibiotics.

DC2

• Develop assays to test for early in vivo activity of the compounds generated by the consortium using zebrafish embryos. We will make use of our robot zebrafish injector to build a medium throughput testing facility.
• Active compounds will be studied further for drug target and synergy with known antibiotics.

• A prestigious MSCA fellowship and a relevant network of fellow MSCA DCs;
• An extensive network-wide training programme offering courses in the areas of science and technology, business, as well as generic, transferable skills;
• The opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team within a Europe-wide consortium of research institutions and SME/industrial partners, comprising experts in microbiology, pharmacology, and chemistry;
• Intersectoral and/or international experience: Through 2-3 secondments at partner organisations, the candidate will gain valuable work experience in non-academic and international environments;
• A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances.

With the wide range of skills and experience our DCs gain in the BREAKthrough doctoral training programme, they will considerably broaden their career perspectives and increase their employability, whether they decide to pursue a career in academia or industry.

The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,541 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,247 (PhD) per month during the last year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 1 FTE. In case applicable, reimbursement to the level of EU allowances will be implemented.

The initial appointment will be for one year. After a positive evaluation the contract will be extended with a minimum of two year.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment,
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus,
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge,
• contribution to commuting expenses

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.